Cognitive Skills Groups

The Clackamas County Juvenile Department (CCJD) strives to keep communities safe through offering services and interventions for youth who committed acts of delinquency, victims, and communities. CCJD targets interventions to hold youth meaningfully accountable and teach them new skills, while simultaneously addressing the harm done to victims and communities. Youth who become, or are at risk of becoming, involved in the juvenile justice system face significant barriers to developing positive life skills and obtaining an education and employment. These youth have fewer protective factors and exhibit more and greater risk factors, such as school dropout, use of alcohol and drugs, lack of connection with positive peers and community members, or experience significant family conflict, than are present in the general youth population. For many youth access to skills groups and intervention services is a prominent barrier to participation in programs, treatment, and pro social activities that address risk factors. Funding provided by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant will enable CCJD to establish a competency and skill development groups and intervention services for Clackamas County youth and families.